Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) reaches its halfway mark today, the focus isn’t just on the 238 goals scored in 144 matches, or even the 16 goals netted in Week 16’s midweek fixtures — which saw TelOne’s Washington Navaya become the first player to hit double figures for the season. Instead, all eyes are firmly fixed on the much-anticipated Bulawayo derby, set to ignite Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday.
While the season has already delivered its share of intrigue — with six own goals, four hat-tricks, 12 braces, 17 penalties, 57 draws, 16 red cards, and two teams (MWOS and FC Platinum) still unbeaten — the passionate rivalry between Highlanders and Chicken Inn is now taking centre stage.
Emagumeni, as the stadium is affectionately known, is expected to be packed to the rafters, fuelled by both sides’ return to winning ways. On Wednesday, Bosso (Highlanders) narrowly edged out Manica Diamonds 1–0 away from home, while Chicken Inn secured an identical result against former champions Ngezi Platinum Stars at Luveve Stadium.
That victory marked the Gamecocks’ first home win of the season, courtesy of a close-range strike from Mpumelelo Bhebhe. For the Bulawayo giants, a goal from the diminutive Mafios “Baby Quantum” Chihweta sealed a crucial three points after what had been a frustrating spell without maximum returns.
“I just had to keep working hard at training. I think this win against Ngezi Platinum Stars will give us a good lift heading into the Highlanders game. All we need to do is stay calm and work hard for a good result,” commented Chicken Inn head coach, Joey Antipas, looking ahead to the derby.
His counterpart, Kelvin Kaindu, offered insights into Highlanders’ preparations.
“As you can see, we are still preparing for our next game against Chicken Inn — a derby — just after a midweek fixture. From our last match, we picked up a few knocks. We gave Mafios (Chihweta) light training and hope he’ll be available for selection, along with Reason (Sibanda), who didn’t travel to Mutare due to an injury sustained in our game against Simba Bhora.”
In other significant fixtures across the league, Scottland FC will clash with Herbert Maruwa’s TelOne at Rufaro Stadium, while Bikita Minerals are set to host Manica Diamonds at Gibbo Stadium. ZPC Kariba, meanwhile, will take on Herentals College at Nyamhunga.
After finally securing their first win in eleven matches, a rejuvenated Dynamos will embark on a trip to Zvishavane for a highly anticipated showdown with Norman Mapeza’s formidable FC Platinum.
“We’re playing a very good team. Of course, they haven’t been doing well lately, but they have quality. Despite their position on the log, it’s Dynamos. This is football — anything can happen. But we’re ready, especially after giving the players a day off to recover,” remarked Mapeza, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer (PSL)
Week 17 Fixtures
Scottland v TelOne (Rufaro), Bikita Minerals v Manica Diamonds (Gibbo), ZPC Kariba v Herentals College (Nyamhunga)
Sunday
Triangle v Greenfuel (Gibbo), CAPS United v Kwekwe United (Rufaro), Ngezi Platinum Stars v MWOS (Baobab), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields Stadium), Yadah v Simba Bhora (Heart Stadium), FC Platinum v Dynamos (Mandava) .-@FungaiMuderere.
